Wordless Wednesday - Our Cousin Emma

Who did Emma See?

On Easter Saturday we had some extra special visitors.

Who did Emma see?

She, and the rest of us all saw the deer live in our area. In total we saw 5. These pictures were taken from the kitchen/dining room window. 

Mischief Pays Off

First, let me say that Lee had a very good week. The thunder shirt and access to most to the house seems to have helped (knock on wood).

Second, let me say that I have reinforced her mischief of destroying the one dog bed, which she didn't like, by buying a replacement bed.

Lee, rolling on her beloved new bed.

From Lee: "This proves that crime does pay!"

Black and White Sunday - Table

One of the things that was left on our property by the previous owners was an old picnic table. While it isn't in the condition to use for people, it is the perfect place to do some agility. 

I was so proud of Phod for being brave and climbing up. He can be very fearful of new experiences. He hoped up before Hailey! 

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My friends would like to thank everyone again for their suggestions for checking out a breeder. In the end, they didn't get good vibes from the person, and are continuing their search for the perfect dog for them (whether a rescue or a legit breeder). They feel they know more now so will be better able to assess these types of situations in the future.  While they sense this was a backyard breeder and not a mill, they have taken the steps to report it to the appropriate local authorities. When they find the perfect dog, they promise pictures. Thanks again.

The New World Order

I really don't know where the time goes, but here we are late Saturday morning just getting around to a post!

I have started experimenting with a new work schedule this week since I am my own boss and can do this. As mentioned earlier, in general I am not a good boss because I never say no and I don't set clear work boundaries. I am hoping by publicly stating my goal it will help. My goal is to work 4 days a week. I am flexible on which day I don't work and understand there may be times that one week I can't make this happen.  Ideally at least 2 weeks of the month one of those days will be from home, meaning I only leave the house 3 days for work. I always have a lot of paperwork to do (I spent 7 hours on it on Thursday and still had more) so I would be very busy on my day at home.

The problem with this schedule is that it has me out of the house 14 hours a couple days a week, which means on work days I have less time for the things I love (like reading all your blogs). This week I was able to visit a lot of blogs on lunch or break times but not comment. So don't be surprised if we are commenting less than we would like.

Don't worry about Lee and Phod on my long days. They always get their long walks. The man works shorter days, so they aren't alone that long. Also, I am making sure to give them extra love and exercise time in the evening. After all, we have 3 acres we hardly use. This week I added strolls through our own bush in the evening. The dogs love this and climbing up and down the hill behind our house adds exercise. Plus I am using this land I am working so hard to pay for!

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Thank you to everyone for their advice on what to look for in a breeder. My friend is on her way to check the place out this morning, armed with all your info. Will let you know how it goes!

Lupul and Panda also thank everyone for all their birthday wishes.

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A very special thanks to Millie and Walter for this pawsome award. We feel so loved!

Guest Post - Happy Birthday to Our Cat Cousins

By Aunt C

Happy Birthday to Panda and Lupul!

Just over a year ago, my best friend Lemew died.  It was not a surprise, he had a long life despite some health issues that were pretty easy to manage.

After he died, my husband and I planned to wait until after our wedding to get 2 cats through the humane society, as a wedding gift from a very good friend.   Well, one day, 2 weeks pre-wedding, we were in a store that had some Humane Society cats, and we instantly fell in love with two great ones, Panda, our sweet yet sometimes cranky alpha female of the house, and Lupul, our crazy, skittish little boy.

It’s been almost a year, and they have become such an important part of our lives, we can’t imagine a day without them!

Here’s some more about them:

Panda

Age:  3

Colour:  Black and White (she has the cutest little French tips on her front paws and beautiful markings all over)

Likes:  Cuddles, soft blankets, wet food, boxes, her tunnel, more cuddles

Dislikes:  Other animals – While she tolerates her brother, she has been known to attack small dogs and gets quite upset if other cats are too close to her turf

Lupus

Age:  2

Colour:  Fawn tabby (not quite orange, but almost)

Likes:  Climbing and jumping up on things, FOOD, treat puzzles, playing soccer

Dislikes:  Unsolicited cuddles – but he does love pets and belly rubs on his terms

We’ll be celebrating their birthdays on Sunday with some new toys, a new treat puzzle, and lots of treats and cuddles!!!

An Accident and Help Requested

Stupid Lady Injured When Not Attending to Her Dog

On Easter Sunday, after a yummy dinner, the Lady, the Man, Uncle Chris and the pups were outside. Emma and Phod were off leash and Hailey was on leash. The Lady was not paying attention to Hailey who was sniffing around the well. The Lady was talking to the Man about the statue of David (the people have booked a very exciting trip for the end of the year). What the Lady missed happening while she was babbling was Hailey deciding she want to play with Emma. Hailey jumped forward jerking the Lady with such force, Lady heard the snap in her neck, the world became blurry, and Lady had to let go of Hailey. Uncle Chris ran and got Hailey. The Man ran to the Lady.

The Man lead the Lady into the house and Googled "treatment for whiplash". He pumped the Lady full of drugs and put heat on it. The Lady had a terrible night's sleep Sunday night because she couldn't sleep on her side and every time she rolled over the pain was terrible. Monday was not much better and the Lady was a complete witch may have been grumpy and spent the day in bed resting her neck. 

Every day since then, it has gotten better and her movement has improved. The Lady is glad, but she wonders if her dogs really are going to be the death of her (April has not been her month, her arm, then she was a little sick, then her neck).

All Lady's whining is boring me

Help Wanted

A friend is looking at getting puppy from a breeder. She is very concerned about accidentally getting a puppy mill dog. She wants to know what she should be looking for/asking to make sure she doesn't support a puppy mill. Any advice would be helpful. 

Wordless Wednesday - Waiting for Squirrel

Yoo-hoo!

Last week Nerissa was kind enough to pass us her new award, the Yoo-hoo award.

We now are happy to officially accept the award.

1) Post the award on your blog and thank the blogger who gave it to you.
Thank you so much Nerissa, we are so happy to have this.

2) Visit at least 3 blogs that are receiving the award along with you and leave a message. We went over and made some new friends. Congrats to everyone who got it.

3) Tell us 3 things you have to celebrate/for which you are thankful.
We are thankful for: the fact that winter is finally over. It was a long one and we didn't get to be outside enough. We are thankful for belly rubs. We are thankful for waterless shampoo because we hate baths.

4) Now we are suppose to pass it on to 7 people and tell them we have done so. This is always the hard part cause we love you all.  Today we pass it on to:

Mollie and Alfie
Mona and Sissy
Dory and the Gang
Bailey, Greta and Hazel
Susie and Sidebite
Lily and Edward
Spencer

Mischief Monday - Time in the Crate

After last weekend's redecorating, we made the decision to put Lee in the crate again when we were out. This is a risk because Lee has destroyed 2 crates in the past getting out. We put her in her thunder shirt (day 1 and 2, Man forgot day 3), gave her some chewies, and in she went.

Day 1 and 2 were fine. She wasn't happy, but she did ok.

Day 3, things went not as well. The Man came home and Lee had pushed out the bottom and the crate and was able to pull the beds from outside close enough to destroy them.

This is the blurry picture the man sent me from his phone.

She also had a cut on her nose (one she reopened on her bunny hunt on the weekend, but seems to be doing ok now).

We have changed our plan. She has to wear the thunder shirt when we are out. I know she hates it, but she seems to be less destructive in it. Also, we are working on blocking the garage door when we go out, so she can't rip the wall up more. We will see if this helps. If it doesn't we are going to have to have the meds talk again. Sigh!

Fortunately, I am only working out of the house 3 days this week, so that will give her less time alone!

The Hunt - Happy Easter

Today we are participating in 2 Easter Events.

1)

Frankie and Ernie said we could hunt anything, so here is Lee trying to hunt her nemesis, the little red squirrel.

Lee balancing on her legs getting ready to jump up the tree. 

Lee trying to climb up the tree. 

Still trying to get it. 

As much as Lee tried, she couldn't get the little red squirrel. Maybe next time!

2) Next our friend Ranger asked us to hunt for the Easter Bunny. So we spent some time in our yard looking for him. 

RANGER - borrowed from his site (hope this is ok Ranger!)

Emma looking behind the tree

Phod checking down the hill in the snow we still have - sigh! 

Emma - has she picked up the Easter Bunny's scent?

Phod to Lee: "Did you find it?"

Lee:  "I am looking. I can't seem to get down this hole."

"This hole is a bust too!"

Emma: "No sign of him here."

Lee: "We didn't find him, but I got a scratch on my nose trying and . . ."

"bunny hunting is dirty work!"

We hope one of our friend's was more successful then we were!

HAPPY EASTER! 

The Good Friday Adventure - by Hailey

Running with a new friend

After we got up yesterday, the Lady and Man shoved pills down Phod's throat. This made him nervous, but I knew it meant only one thing, we were going in the car. Phody needs meds to go in the car. I was also nervous until I heard one of the world's greatest 4 letter words - PARK! We were going to a park! We use to go to the park all the time, but since we moved to the middle of no where, and Phody gets car sick, we have only gone a couple of times. I was so excited. After Phod's pills had been in his body for a bit, we went in the car and drove for 87 million years. Phody was very upset, and even with his great pills still got sick (Lady says maybe 1.5 hours isn't enough time for them to work, maybe he needs closer to 2). I was very good in the car.

Finally we arrived and it was glorious! I can't tell you how excited I was. I got to run and play and make new friends. Uncle Chris and Emma met us there (they live near the park, so they are lucky), I was so excited to see Emma I sang!

We got to run and play for hours [Editor's note: about an hour and a half]. I made so many new friends. I checked every white dog to make sure they weren't Gemi. [Editor's note: This made Lady a little sad, that close to 3 years later, she would still look for Gemi].

Here are some pictures of our fun!

Emma and Lee getting check in cookies

The three of us checking the park out! 

Hailey practicing her "table" at the park. She was so good she would even do commands!

Hailey trying to get her new BFF Neil to play - he didn't want anything to do with her! 

Uncle Chris, throwing the stick for us

Neil deciding if he wants to play with Lee

One very happy Phody! 

Then it was time to go. Phody was a bit nervous that Lady and I were leaving without him (we had to go back on the horrible leashes to go into the parking lot), cause Lady and I got ahead. Then we had to walk slow to wait for him. I was very tired and slept the 87 million year drive home, and all evening. It was a good day indeed. I can't wait to go back again.

Note from the Lady: Phody has only been to a dog park a few times with us, and Lee has not been in some time, however, they were both AMAZING! I couldn't believe how good they were. They were friendly and playful. Phod always stayed close and since Hailey knew there were treats in our pockets, she always came when we called and she even checked in. We hope to do this a bit more often and hope maybe it will make Phod a little less scared of the car, because he clearly loved it there.

Getting Ready for Easter

Lady has had a very busy work week - she abandoned us for at least 12 if not 14 hours all week. She even said she has to do some work this weekend. She has a terrible mean boss to make her do this (FYI: she is her own boss, so we know how mean she can be!). Since she has been working so much, she hasn't let us read your blogs etc.

Today we are going on a big adventure! We have an exciting, all about us on Good Friday! More about that tomorrow.

And we have to be getting ready for Easter because Emma and Uncle Chris are coming tomorrow and staying til Monday. It is going to be an Easter extravaganza!

We will have time to catch up over this weekend, we just don't know when.

Must get ready for the adventure!

Lee and Phod

Wordless Wednesday - Who said you could stop

The Nemesis

Hailey has a nemesis, the little red squirrel. The little red squirrel has reappeared over the past few weeks. We first saw him during a morning walk when he came down his tree and ran 10 feet beside us, clearly mocking Hailey.

The little red squirrel has also been seen coming up to the back door, also to mock Hailey. 

The other morning Hailey started barking at the kitchen window. This is odd because the window is too high for her to see out. She was carrying on and I thought she was crazy until I turned and there was her nemesis, on the front porch:

Phod was completely oblivious to all of this. I am sure we are going to have more run-ins with this squirrel this spring!

Do you have a nemesis? 

Mischief Monday - Deja Vu

Saturday was a lovely day. It was the nicest day so far this year. We opened some windows to let the fresh spring air into the house. Man and Lady also had plans in town with friends Saturday afternoon, so after a walk down Lee's favourite street, lots of exercise and play, we went to town.

We came home later that afternoon to a disaster in the front hall.

Besides chewing the paw wiping towel, Hailey,

chewed up the leashes that I had not put in the drawer (thankfully I had an extra pair at home, will pick up another extra set next trip to the pet store):

and tried to get out the garage door again:

The damage is not as bad as the last time this happened, but is still upsetting. We know it was Hailey and not Phod, not just because of her history, but because she was the one with drywall on her paws. We have no idea why this happened. The window was open, did something sound louder? The last time this happened, August 2012, we had just moved into the house, and there was a terrible, terrible storm while we were out.

It feels like a defeat and it is going to take us some time to figure out what to do to further help our girl.

Sigh!

Black and White Sunday - Spring is in the Air

Catch Up Saturday

Where did the week go? It wasn't extraordinarily busy, but it flew by. The weather has been nicer and we are optimistic we will see grass soon. The snow is almost all gone in the city but us mountain dwellers still have some. They are forecasting warm temperatures and rain the next few days, so that will hopefully wash the rest of it away. We won't talk about Tuesday's forecast!

The great thing about spring, is it makes for awesome smelling walks according to the pups. We have gotten to sniff fresh deer tracks and deer hair. We even saw a deer yesterday. The wild turkeys are back as well. We have mostly heard them, but did see one early in the week. Morning walks are now accompanied by the sound of birds and not just the crunch of snow. It is a nice time to live in the country.

My arm seems to be all better. I guess I just seriously bruised it. It never turned all the cool colours I had  hoped it would! Even with two good arms, I am continuing to use the couplers for the walks. Overall we have less pulling this way.

Now to catch up on all your comments:

Monday's post:
While I would never fence the entire 3 acres (with the bush and the hill it would be too big of a job), I would really love to have a big fenced area for the pups to run and play. This is not something the Man wants, so I don't know if it will happen. As for her latest escape, now that time has passed, I can truly appreciate that I did this to myself and realize how ridiculous it must have looked!

A Busy Weekend:
Hailey tries really hard not to jump up on her favourite guests, but can't help herself. If they manage to get past the front door without a jump, she gets them later. It is like she remembers, I haven't jumped yet. While this is an undesirable behaviour, it is better than angel Gemi's jumping and biting the people she loved!

He did it to himself:
Chuck 2 is Phod's favourite toy in the whole wide world. When given the choice between Chuck and his new frisbee, Chuck wins every time. Over the winter he has been chewing that big hole in it. I throw it, he runs into the deep snow, chews it a bit and brings it back. Sometimes when he picks it up, it flops over his face like that picture. What you can't really see is that he is holding it in his mouth! Man happened to have his phone ready when it happened one day, to capture it. It always makes us laugh! Phod doesn't care if we are laughing as long as when he puts it down we throw it.

Hailey's Big Adventure:
I am very proud of Hailey for her behaviour during her big adventure. Our first dog, Angel Loki, loved the vet, which spoiled us for the dogs who followed. I think as Hailey remembers seeing the vet at social occasions last year it helped her during the exam part. That or she was just so glad to get away from the Reiki lady . . . . I can't believe this lady either and I think if I thought she was a true danger I would have said something or moved.

Brotherly Love:
They melt my heart when they are so lovely. Yes, I was watching the food network. It is currently my favourite channel, which is funny since I don't cook.

Have a great weekend!

Feline Friday: Brotherly Love

Here is Baggy loving Nin

Hailey's big adventure

"Where are we going?"

On Monday, Hailey had the worst day of her life, a great adventure.  It started at 8 am when I snuck her into the car, leaving a crying Phod at home alone. A very anxious girl, nearly hyperventilated her one hour ride to location 1. Location 1 was day camp. I admit it broke my heart to leave my terrified girl at camp. When I picked her up a little bit after 5, she was ecstatic to see me. She apparently had a great day there. They put her in the room with the little dogs (which would likely be less scary for her) and she watched and did play with one dog.


The reason Lee had to spend the day at camp was because it was time for her annual check up. To make my life easiest as our vet is in the city and on the way home, she spent the day there. [There are vets closer to where we live, who I am sure are awesome, but we go to our friend and trusted vet].

We got to the clinic a little early (and then the vet was running a little late) and had to wait. Lee was very stressed but it gave us lots of time to practice her relax posed. While waiting another client came over and did Reiki or something on Lee without asking. I was slightly annoyed but decided not to pick a fight and Lee handled it like a champ, just staring at me. The client also gave a lot of advice on things I could be doing for my dog, I smiled and thanked her.

Practicing relaxed

Finally it was our turn. Hailey quickly settled down once we were in the exam room. Our vet Woody, sat on the floor and examined her, so she didn't have the trauma of being on the table.

Hailey's weight: 38 lbs (17.6 kg). This is within her ideal body weight range and she looks perfect. I am especially proud of this given how terrible our winter was and how our exercise was less.
Teeth: Fantastic (reinforcing my slacking on the brushing lately)
Overall health: Perfect!
She handled her shots like a champ.

Overall, she did very well. I put her in the car while I waited for her and Phod's heart worm, the cats food and to pay the bill. I was glad because our clinic is an emergency clinic and a couple brought in their dying cat which caused some chaos (and with Lee already being stressed I don't know if that would have helped). She slept all the way home

She came home (around 8 pm), had a little dinner (she got lots of treats at the clinic) and slept and slept. It was a big day for her. On Tuesday, while I was getting ready for work, she hid. I think she was afraid I was going to take her away. She has been fine since, so she has forgiven me!

Phod's turn will be in July!

Wordless Wednesday - He did this to himself!

A busy weekend

I had a very busy weekend.

Friday, I stayed in town late to go out with a friend. I got home around 10:30 pm.

Saturday morning I got up around 7. The dogs and I went for a walk (even with only one hand, I have figured out how to walk them both, we have a coupler so I can have them on one leash). We got groceries and then around 11 left to go to town. See my dad (aka the Big Guy) was in town so the plan was lunch, the afternoon at the War Museum and dinner. Then the Man headed home and I stayed in town to have hang out time with my sister (aka Aunt C). On Sunday we all headed back to our place to have a birthday lunch for Auntie K. 

As it has been winter, we haven't had too many visitors to our house. Hailey did ok. She was very, very excited at first. She jumped up a little much (Aunt C got a scratch) but with some help of a puzzle toy she settled down.

Phod, was a little excited, but was mostly just thrilled with all the pets he was getting.

As people have been asking about my arm, it is getting better. Every day is better. I can do more and more without pain. The biggest challenge remains things with weight. Carrying heavy things, lifting heavy things, remains a challenge. I am just glad how fast it is healing. I was very concerned that this could be a long recovery. 

This post is completely my fault. Last Tuesday I took the dogs out. My arm was feeling a bit better that day. I had Hailey on the tie out so that I could play fetch with Phod with my right hand. Lee was doing a great job at staying in the yard. Then she started to eat poop, so without thinking I picked up the tie out with my sore left arm. I couldn't hold it, so I let go. When I let go, Lee realized I couldn't hold her so she decided to run away.

From Sunday - still lists of snow

Now if she had run down the road, it wouldn't have been good, but I might have been able to do something about it. Instead she ran down the hill in our backyard. I wasn't dressed to go get her, so I brought Phod in, put on my snow pants and boots and attempted to go the hill to find her. The problem was the snow was so deep I sunk to my waist. I got stuck in a hole. I had to use both my arms to pull myself out. I lost my boot in the hole. I tried to crawl or go on my bum, but I realized I couldn't do it. In my attempts to get down and then back up the hill, I hurt my arm some more (I think I added a sprain of the wrist to my bad bruise).

I came in the house, regrouped for a minute, got my phone, got Phod and went back out to find her. My hope being Phod would track her.

We get into the driveway and Lee started barking. While she had taken off down the hill to the right, she ended up on the front yard of the neighbours to the left. I was able to get to her because our neighbours snowmobile had left awesome tracks I could walk on. Hailey was caught on a huge hunk of snow. I got her and we went home.

Hailey only goes on leash when I take her out. I just can't trust her. I have to accept that maybe she can't be a free dog. This is hard, but maybe it is the way it needs to be to keep everyone safe.

Be back Monday!

We have a busy weekend with company coming and fun things to do. We will be back Monday.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Thoughtless Thursday - Birthday Catch up Edition

Thanks to Love is Being Owned By a Husky for:

Thank you to everyone all the birthday wishes. I think both had great days. Phod didn't get a cake because I didn't have the arm power to make anything, but he enjoyed his gifts.

Indoor frisbee, it must be a special day

Loving new dino toy

Lee whining that none of the gifts are for her!